Sand and dust storms have increased dramatically in frequency and severity in recent years, according to the United Nations. Read here to learn more about the causes, characteristics and impact of sand and dust storms.
The growing intensity and frequency of sand and dust storms present a formidable challenge to achieving sustainable development.
These will especially affect Africa and the Middle East where desertification is most common.
However, the global recognition of sand and dust storms as a hazard is generally low as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Therefore, the UN observed the first-ever International Day of Combatting Sand and Dust Storms on July 12, 2023.
Sand and dust storms
Sand and dust storms are meteorological phenomena that occur when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from bare, dry soils into the atmosphere.
- These storms are prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions and can have significant environmental and health impacts, as well as affect weather patterns, climate, and even aviation.
- The main sources of sand and dust storms are the world’s drylands.
- About 75 per cent of emissions come from natural sources such as hyper-arid regions, topographic depressions in arid areas and dry ancient lake beds with little vegetative cover.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the severity and frequency of dust storms will increase due to rising global temperatures.
The characteristics of dust storms are:
- Visibility Reduction: Sand and dust particles can significantly reduce visibility, which affects driving and aviation safety.
- Long-Distance Travel: Dust particles, especially those fine enough to be lifted high into the atmosphere, can travel thousands of kilometres away from their source, carried by wind currents.
- Duration and Intensity: These storms can last from a few minutes to several hours and may vary in intensity depending on the wind speed and the availability of sand and dust.
Causes
Natural Factors:
- Drought: Prolonged dry periods result in dried-out soils, which are more susceptible to wind erosion.
- Wind: Strong winds are the primary drivers of sand and dust storms, capable of lifting particles into the air.
- Vegetative Cover: Lack of vegetation exposes soil to wind, making it easier for winds to pick up loose particles.
- Geomorphology: The physical characteristics of a region, including its soil composition and surface roughness, influence its susceptibility to dust storms.
Human Factors:
Human activities contribute 25 per cent of global dust emissions, with agriculture being the main anthropogenic source, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- Land Degradation: Deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and overgrazing diminish soil stability and increase its vulnerability to erosion.
- Improper Water Management: Over-extraction of water resources for agricultural and urban use can exacerbate soil dryness and contribute to the conditions favourable for dust storms.
- Urbanization and Industrial Activities: These can alter land surfaces and contribute to the creation of new dust sources.
Impact of sand and dust storms
Sand and dust storms present a formidable challenge to achieving 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
- Example: the excessive diversion of water from rivers in Central Asia over several decades towards agriculture has shrunk the Aral Sea, a pre-existing lake between Kazakhstan to its north and Uzbekistan to its south. It has become the Aralkum Desert, a significant new source of sand and dust storms.
- Health Effects: Sand and dust storms pose serious health risks, particularly through respiratory problems and diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and silicosis. The fine dust particles can carry pathogens and pollutants, exacerbating their impact.
- Environmental Consequences: These storms can lead to soil loss and degradation, impact water quality by depositing sediments in water bodies, and affect the growth and productivity of crops.
- Climate Effects: Dust particles can influence climate patterns by affecting the earth’s radiation balance. They can provide surfaces for chemical reactions to occur, influence cloud formation, and potentially impact precipitation patterns.
- Economic Impacts: Dust storms can disrupt transportation, reduce crop yields, damage electronics and machinery, and increase the cost of cleaning and maintenance of infrastructure.
Management and Mitigation
- Vegetation Management: Planting vegetation and creating green belts can significantly reduce soil erosion and dust storm occurrences.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Techniques such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and the use of windbreaks can help stabilize the soil.
- Land Restoration: Efforts to restore land with native plant species and to reclaim degraded lands are crucial.
- Early Warning Systems: Developing and improving forecasting and early warning systems can help mitigate the impact of sand and dust storms by providing timely information.
Why in the news?
2024: Delhi and Mumbai saw massive dust storms causing harm to life and property.
- Indian Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning in the cities.
- Northwest India experiences convective dust storms locally known as “aandhi”.
- The frequency is maximum over Rajasthan followed by Haryana, Punjab and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Sand and dust storms in the Indian Subcontinent
In the Indian subcontinent, these storms are primarily observed in the northwestern parts, particularly in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana. They are also prevalent in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Causes of Sand and Dust Storms in the Indian Subcontinent:
- Arid Conditions: The Thar Desert in Rajasthan, which is a primary source of dust, contributes significantly to the dust load in the atmosphere, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon months.
- Land Degradation: Overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to land degradation, increasing the vulnerability of the soil to erosion by wind.
- Meteorological Factors: The pre-monsoon period (April-June) often sees high temperatures and low humidity levels, which dry out the soil, making it more susceptible to wind erosion. The passage of western disturbances across the region and the intense heating of the land during the summer months can also create conditions conducive to dust storms.
- Seasonal Winds: The local wind dynamics, including the gusty winds during the pre-monsoon season, play a significant role in triggering these storms.
Conclusion
International cooperation is also vital, as dust and sand storms often affect multiple countries and regions.
Collaborative efforts in research, monitoring, and sharing of data are essential for developing effective strategies to prevent and manage these phenomena.
The UN recommends the strengthening of risk governance of sand and dust storms and increased investment and financing in sand and dust storm risk reduction and impact mitigation measures in agriculture along with developing national capacity and raising awareness of sand and dust storms.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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